ID Gospel Recording Artist and BET's Sunday Best Winner Y'Anna Crawley Releases Debut, "The Promise"

Y'Anna says that winning Sunday Best and working on this CD project have been amazing blessings in her life.  Her experiences inspired her to choose The Promise as the title and theme of her new CD.  “With everything that I've gone through, all my ups and downs, with people talking about me and saying that I would never make it because I had two kids, I was resting on God's promise," she said. "I'm hoping that people who listen to this CD will be uplifted and encouraged. I want them to realize that dreams do come true, so you should never give up on your dreams. When you get knocked down you get back up and just keep pressing through.”

The title track and current single, "The Promise" reminds listeners that Jesus is the way and the promise, and that if you keep trusting in His Word and keep persevering you will attain your goals. This mid-tempo, contemporary gospel performance is a hit in the making.

"We are excited about the release of Y'Anna's debut CD," says Max Siegel, President and CEO of Imago Dei Music Group. "Y'Anna is the first artist we are releasing from the Sunday Best franchise. We look forward to creating her brand and further developing a platform that will sustain and establish longevity for her as one of gospel's contemporary leading ladies."

The Promise is produced by Busta and Shavoni (Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams), the production team of PAJAM-J. Moss, Paul Allen and Walter Kearney (Kelly Price, *NSYNC, Destiny's Child, Karen Clark Sheard) and Ryan Sims. Jim Wright (Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Sounds of Blackness, Ann Nesby) also contributed to the project, which was recorded at the Embassy Row Recording Studio in Los Angeles, CA.

The CD also includes her first single, Y'Anna's rendition of the Bill Wither's classic hit "Grandma's Hands," which she sang on Sunday Best. Her powerful performance of that song, about half way through the 10-week competition, stunned the judges-Bebe Winans, Tina and Erica Campbell of Mary Mary as well as show's host, Kirk Franklin.

The CD includes three songs that were written by Y'Anna and Busta, which come out of Y'Anna's personal experiences. The autobiographical "Stronger" tells her story of getting pregnant at 17, not marrying the baby's father as she had planned, and the hard times that followed. But the song and its message are upbeat-no matter what life's circumstances bring you, they will make you stronger if you keep your faith and never give up.  The jazzy "Looking Towards Heaven" is based on a song that she wrote after she had her second child and was feeling down about her life. "Every time I would get in a rut I would look up and say 'God, I'm looking to you to help me past this,'" she said. "And when I talked to God, I was looking towards heaven." Urban contemporary in style, "I Believe," describes her unswerving belief in God despite her circumstances or the influence of others.   This song is poised to become a crossover hit.

Through the CD, Y'Anna has a chance to showcase her many musical styles.  She channels Aretha Franklin in the down-home, foot-stomping rendition of "Still God." She offers a soulful take on Natalie Wilson's "Well Done." In "Right Time," and "Blessed" she gives soul-stirring performances that blends gospel and R&B. And she soothes the soul in the worshipful "Lord I Worship You," which she calls her love song to Jesus.

Y'Anna has a long musical lineage. She is the great-niece of acclaimed gospel singer Reverend Julius Cheeks, and the niece of gospel singer Genobia Jeter and R&B great Glenn Jones, who first had her in a recording studio at age 12. Since then, she has sung background vocals for a variety of artists, including pop, R&B and gospel stars such as Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Anita Baker, Jennifer Lopez, Raheem DeVaughn, Angie Stone, Chrisette Michelle, Stephen Hurd, and Ledisi. She also traveled to Tanzania, in East Africa, on tour with platinum-recording artist Mya, and she sang lead vocals for Lissen, a local R&B and jazz band.

She wants to use her blessings to bless others through THE PROMISE Foundation.  This initiative will seek to provide, health, wellness, fitness, self-esteem building, social services, as well as scholarships to young women between 18 and 35.  She also is planning a second initiative called Momma'sBoys,whichis intended to be an agent to encourage, teach, provide guidance and information and assist with connecting young boys with positive male role models and mentors in their communities.

In the meantime, Y'Anna is looking forward to spreading a message of faith and hope through her CD project, The Promise. "The message in all my songs is that no matter what, no matter how down you are, there is hope right now-you are still blessed," That message is also her personal testimony. "To go through the fire and, like the Scripture says, to come out pure as gold-that's how I feel, that I'm pure as gold, like the light is just shining and everybody can see."
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Rapper, GAMMAGE, Releases Digital Solo Project

"Breeding Grounds" on DMG

Memphis based Dedicated Music Group is a fast growing Urban music label boasting Billboard chart topping artists with one common goal, Kingdom Building.  The label’s newest family member is known to some as “Mr. Wut Can I Do For Ya” but to most by GAMMAGE.

Gammage is a hard hitting, explosive rapper whose music has a mainstream flare and appeal but he is without a doubt a Christian.  His lyrics, beats and style can go head to head with any rapper – Christian or mainstream. The difference is the potent, pure, passionate life-messages that are delivered in every track.  Gammage attacks the enemy like a warrior via his lyrics while his music is fierce, beat bangin’, solid energy!

He has released his first solo project via Dedicated Music Group and Universal Music Christian Group.  Breeding Grounds is available now at all digital music outlets.  “[It] represents all that changed me; the word of God, the local church and a personal, intimate relationship with God,” expresses Gammage. “The album’s central focus is redemption and restoration. My purpose through this music is to Empower, Encourage, Edify and Motivate!”  The project includes the fan favorite “Avon Park”, “Tattle Tales” featuring Mr. Del, and hit single “Country Boy”.

Gammage, who is also a youth pastor in Tampa, FL, joins the line-up of talented, kingdom building label mates at Dedicated Music Group.  Three year old DMG has released two Billboard chart topping, Dove Award Nominated projects: Mr. Del’s Thrilla and Mali Music’s The 2econd Coming.  “Gammage is an incredible spirit filled artist,” says DMG President Del “Mr. Del” Lawrence.  “His aggressive delivery and southern drawl makes Breeding Grounds a ground breaking debut.”

The first digital release this year for DMG was Inside Out by DMaub who is known for his top-notch lyricism and undeniable delivery. The label is continually strategizing to maximize leverage on delivering quality, life-changing music in an ever changing music industry.  The label’s goal is to meet the Urban/Hip Hop consumer where they are, while introducing them to positive, talented artists.  “We have learned that the buying public for our new Urban/Contemporary Christian Artists are online, explains Angela Green, DMG General Manager.  “That is why we have chosen to release their first albums in a digital format while we introduce them on a national level and expand their fan base.  Once the demand for the physical product increases we will move to that distribution option.”

And you may be asking why the aka: “Mr Wut Can I Do For Ya”?  Gammage explains that he is a servant and he, as we all should, does whatever is necessary to assist and help a person because the Word reminds us - "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." (Mat 23:11)

EN SOUND AWARD NOM JACK YATES DEBUTS

LeRae Records and CLG Distribution have announced the recent release of En Sound Music Award nominee Jack Yates' debut solo CD, The Journal of Jack Yates. Yates kicked things off with a performance at this year's Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) in Cincinnati, Ohio.

A gifted singer/songwriter and worship leader, as well as the former lead singer of 3-time Stellar Award nominated Gospel group James Grear & Company, Yates is taking the Gospel industry by storm with his solo debut. At last week's GMWA Gospel Announcer's Guild Showcase, he shared songs from the project, which has already earned him an En Sound Music Award nomination for Best Urban Artist, Male.

During his stint as lead singer and staff songwriter with the renowned James Grear & Company, Yates toured and recorded extensively, garnering national acclaim for his clear, melodic voice on songs like "Don't Give Up," "Set Me Free" and "Peace Be Still." He received rave reviews in both the Gospel and mainstream markets for his lead vocals on the remake of The Youngbloods' classic "Get Together" from the 70s. But perhaps his work with the famous duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis while performing on "The Prince of Egypt" and "The Emperor's New Groove" soundtracks has brought him the most recognition.

All of his travels and accolades have led him back to Gospel music, and sharing the Gospel of Christ. "Following the voice of God is essential," says Yates.

Co-produced by Yates (James Grear & Company) and Pharis "June Bug" Evans, Jr. (Yolanda Adams, Stevie Wonder), the music of The Journal of Jack Yates runs the musical gamut from jazz to R&B to rock. Yates' own journal entries provide the lyrics for many of the songs on the new project, which features Yates' contemporary Gospel originals interspersed with his inspiring spoken word journal readings and Christian standards.

"Jack Yates is a phenomenal singer, songwriter and performer, and label owner Rev. Wilfred Moore has vast industry knowledge and a full complement of key relationships within the industry," comments CLG Distribution President David C. Coleman. "These two elements combine to create a potent partnership, indeed. We are very excited to be a part of this growth process which, we believe, will result in the development of another household name in the Gospel community."

"I'm excited to be part of the CLG family and am very confident that their distribution network will enhance our ability to expose Jack Yates and LeRae Records to the Christian and General Marketplace," says LeRae Records President, Rev. Wilfred Moore.

Jack Yates' The Journal of Jack Yates is available on LeRae Records, and distributed through CLG Distribution. For more information on Jack Yates' The Journal of Jack Yates, visit leraerecords.com or clgdistribution.com.